247: Improve Your Interpersonal Skills and Don´t Be Afraid to Take Any Opportunity with Roberta Matuson

Phil’s guest on this episode of the IT Career Energizer podcast is Roberta Matuson. She has helped leaders in Fortune 500 companies, as well as small to medium-sized businesses, achieve dramatic growth and market leadership through the maximization of talent.

Roberta is a leading authority on leadership and the skills and strategies required to earn employee commitment and client loyalty.

She is also the author of several books including the recently released “Evergreen Talent”.

In this episode, Phil and Roberta Matuson discuss the importance of building strong interpersonal and people management skills. They talk about why, instead of waiting until you have acquired every skill asked for in a job advert, you should just apply. Roberta also explains how the IT job market is changing and how job hunters can adapt and benefit from the changes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

(4.16) WORST CAREER MOMENT

Losing a great job, mainly because she had failed to build a good relationship with her boss and other members of higher management. As a result, when the firm let people go, there was nobody there to advocate for her so she could keep her job.

That experience taught her not to just focus on managing down. She now actively works on and cultivates her relationships with her bosses.

(5.36) CAREER HIGHLIGHT

Landing her first executive role and starting her consultancy firm have both been career highlights for Roberta.

(7.42) TOP CAREER TIP

Take courses to help you to improve your interpersonal skills and your ability to communicate with non-technical people. It is also a good idea to acquire the skillset to manage your relationship with your boss. These softer skills will help you in many different ways, during your career.

(9.43) THE FUTURE OF CAREERS IN I.T

There are not enough talented people out there. As a result, job applicants are in the driver ́s seat. Unfortunately, some employers have still not woken up to that fact.

At the same time, the recruitment process is becoming increasingly automated. It is now all about eliminating candidates from the list rather than searching out and nurturing talent. Applicants need to be aware of and adapt to the new reality.

(10.50) THE REVEAL

What’s the best career advice you received? – Just go for it. Don ́t wait until you tick every box. If you meet about 70% of the criteria apply anyway.

What’s the worst career advice you received? – Don ́t worry that you are underpaid, be happy with what you get.

What would you do if you started your career now? – Roberta says she would probably follow the same path.

What are your current career objectives? – Roberta is focusing on working exclusively as an executive coach and a trusted advisor.

What’s your number one non-technical skill? – Being able to quickly build strong relationships. Business is all about relationships.

How do you keep your own career energized? – Roberta stays energized by learning new skills and constantly reinventing herself.

What do you do away from technology? – Roberta likes to cook, play tennis, be outside and socialize with friends.

(15.40) CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR NEW BOOK AND HOW IT CAME ABOUT?

Roberta ́s new book shows leaders how to seed, grow and cultivate their workforce. For the majority, hiring enough talented workers is difficult. So, they have to know how to make the most of their own talents and of the ones their employees have.

The book provides employees with an insight into the way their managers' minds work. It is also an excellent resource for anyone who wants to take on a management role.

(17.59) FINAL CAREER TIP

If you see an opportunity, don ́t be afraid, just go for it. You won ́t get a second chance.

BEST MOMENTS

(4.00) – Roberta - “You always have to be learning, reinventing yourself and staying current.”

(4.41) – Roberta - “Learn to manage your relationship with your boss. If you don ́t, when redundancies happen you will get laid-off.”

(11.44) – Roberta - “If you ́ve got 70% of what ́s on the job posting, apply. The worst that can happen is that they say no.”

(14.28) – Roberta - “Learn to quickly build strong relationships. After all, business is all about relationships.”

(18.00) – Roberta - “When you see an opportunity, don ́t be afraid, go for it. You won ́t get a second chance.”

ABOUT THE HOST – PHIL BURGESS

Phil Burgess is an independent IT consultant who has spent the last 20 years helping organizations to design, develop and implement software solutions. Phil has always had an interest in helping others to develop and advance their careers. And in 2017 Phil started the I.T. Career Energizer podcast to try to help as many people as possible to learn from the career advice and experiences of those that have been, and still are, on ...